Cameron Menzies delivered a significant upset at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, defeating the 2024 champion Luke Humphries 10-7 in the first round. The victory marks Menzies’ first win on the Winter Gardens stage, a moment he described as his biggest career triumph.
The match, held on Monday night, saw Menzies secure his win with an impressive 170 checkout. Humphries, ranked world No. 2, faced a challenging opponent in Menzies, known for his entertaining and unpredictable style of play.
Menzies’ path to victory
The contest began with a series of breaks of throw, including a 129 checkout from Menzies and a 167 finish from Humphries. Menzies initially took a 3-2 lead with a double-double 129 finish. Humphries responded by achieving six consecutive breaks of throw, including a 167 checkout, to level the score after the first interval.
Menzies then launched into a strong four-leg run, establishing a 7-3 advantage. Although Humphries managed to win four of the subsequent five legs, Menzies regained his composure with a 98 checkout. He then sealed the match with a sensational 170 finish, causing a major shock in the tournament.
Reflecting on his win, Menzies expressed his delight: “No one gave me hope! I didn’t give myself hope but I finally won a game at the Winter Gardens.” He acknowledged Humphries as a great player and admitted to feeling the pressure as he approached the finishing line, stating that the nerves kicked in. Menzies also noted that despite Humphries’ disappointment, he would gladly accept the victory. He added, “To beat someone as amazing as Humphries on this stage… that’s my biggest win in the PDC.”
Wayne Mardle commented on the significance of Menzies’ performance, calling it his best-ever win. Mardle highlighted Menzies’ ability to handle the pressure and emotional swings during the game, particularly after being broken back early and then seeing Humphries mount a comeback. He noted that Menzies found another level of play when needed, demonstrating a composure not often seen from him. Mardle concluded that Menzies’ handling of the situation suggests he can now manage anything.
Other first-round results and upcoming matches
Following his victory, Menzies is set to face Ross Smith in the second round. Smith advanced after overcoming Kevin Doets in a competitive match. Smith initially took a 5-0 lead, aided by a 10-dart leg and a 160 checkout. Doets managed to reduce the deficit to 6-4, and although Smith moved within one leg of victory, Doets produced a 161 finish to extend the match. Smith ultimately secured his win with a 120 checkout.
In other first-round action, Gerwyn Price also secured a comeback victory, defeating Martin Schindler 11-9. Price, a former World Matchplay finalist, trailed 4-0 and 6-2 before rallying to lead 9-8. Schindler forced a tie-break with a 121 checkout, but Price immediately broke throw and completed his turnaround with a 100 checkout. Price admitted that he played his worst game of the season and that the crowd was instrumental in his win. He acknowledged that he should have lost the match but was relieved to still be in the tournament.
Price will now face Rob Cross in the second round. Cross began his campaign with a convincing 10-3 win over Danny Noppert, leading 5-0 at the break. The 2019 champion maintained his strong performance, averaging 97.41, hitting a 128 checkout, and achieving an impressive 52.6 per cent on the doubles.
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the Winter Gardens until July 26. The second round is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. Defending champion Luke Littler, who opened his title defence with a 10-6 win over Niko Springer, will play Nathan Aspinall. Other notable matches include Michael van Gerwen against Dirk van Duijvenbode, Jonny Clayton facing Gary Anderson, and Stephen Bunting playing Josh Rock. Anderson recorded the eighth-highest average in World Matchplay history with 109.96 in his 10-2 win over Ryan Joyce.
Stephen Bunting also advanced after a classic encounter against debutant Niels Zonneveld, surviving three match darts to win 13-12.
The tournament features a 32-player field competing for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay is scheduled to conclude on July 26.
Read Also
- Uefa president boycotts World Cup final in protest against Fifa and Trump
- White House reinserts Trump into World Cup final photos after FIFA crops him out
- Fifa launches investigation
- The football community is remembering Kevin Keegan, who passed away at the age of 75 after receiving treatment for cancer.
Source: skysports.com
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”